Your First Magazine Article
Your first magazine article comes from the heart.
Start by writing about what intrigues you. Things you are passionate about and look forward to doing on your time off. If you had a million dollars, would you still do this activity?
Cover Your Area
Check online magazines or look at the hundreds of magazines on stands at major bookstores. Look at the table of contents and localize your idea. Think of yourself as a correspondent for that publication. What in your area can you write about?
Maybe you are in-between jobs or a recent graduate. A few bylines (by Your Name) will look good on your resume. Especially if the article is related to the industry you want to join.
From Release to Cash
Chances are you write at night or weekends for extra money. Perhaps you write for fun or as a release from everything life is throwing at you. These days, companies that are hiring want talented people who can perform many jobs. The ability to write helps, and publishing is proof.
You might want to send a query e-mail (or letter) to the editor who seeks contributors and offer a few ideas for articles. If one idea isn't selected, perhaps another idea will be.
Ask what's needed and wanted but also show initiative by offering suggestions. This will show a knowledge of your industry.
Make It Sizzle
Make sure the article is the best it can be before sending it out, and then you can enjoy seeing your name in print.
If you get into one publication, find out about other magazines the company publishes. Use the published article to obtain more work in the same subject and expand to other subjects.
It's like a multiplier effect.